Congrats’ graded stakes-winning filly Venus Valentine drew post 10 of 14 3-year-old fillies in Friday’s $1 million Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. The filly is one of nine stakes winners, including three graded winners, sired by Congrats this year.
Trained by Tom Amoss for owner/breeder Rosemont Farm, Venus Valentine earned her way into the Oaks starting gate with a rousing victory in the Rachel Alexandra S. (G2) at Fair Grounds in late February.
Venus Valentine is the first foal out of Valentine Fever, and the Kentucky Oaks runs deep in her female family. Her fouth dam Quillummo produced several memorable runners, none more so than Gal in a Ruckus, winner of the 1995 Kentucky Oaks.
Venus Valentine will have a couple of changes from her last start. Shaun Bridgmohan gets the mount, replacing Corey Lanerie, and the chestnut filly will be equipped with blinkers for the first time.
“I’m trying to find a way to get her a little closer to what’s happening early in the race,” Amoss said, referring to the filly’s penchant for relaxing early in her races.
Friday’s 1 1/8-mile Oaks is the 11th race on the marathon card and runs at approximately 5:49 p.m. ET. The race will be televised live on NBCSN.
